Washington Football Team: Examining 3 players returning from injury in 2021
S Landon Collins
2020 stats: Seven games played, 41 tackles, one forced fumble, one interception
In March of 2019, former New York Giants safety Landon Collins signed a lucrative six-year $84 million dollar deal with the Washington Football Team. Growing up as a fan of the late Sean Taylor, Collins was where he wanted to be. Former team president Bruce Allen and owner Daniel Snyder got their guy.
Since that time, Landon Collins’ play on the field has not necessarily lived up to the size of his contract. Adding to the lack of on-field production versus expectations, Collins suffered a season-ending injury seven games into the 2020 season.
During the second quarter of Week 7 against the rival Dallas Cowboys, Collins tore his Achilles during what was one of his better games in the burgundy and gold. Collins, before the injury, notably had four tackles and a sack-fumble that led to a safety in just one half of play.
The issue for Landon Collins is, and will continue to be, contract versus expectations. As a member of the Giants, Collins was selected to three Pro Bowls and one All-Pro team. Collins with Washington has not been anything close to being more than just another highly paid guy.
While nobody in their right mind wants to see any player suffer an injury, the season-ending injury to Collins opened up multiple doors for various players. Kam Curl, Deshazor Everett, and Jeremy Reaves got extended playing time. The defense got better as the season went on as did the play coming from the safety position.
What is expected from Collins in 2021? Before we answer this question, it is not believed by this writer that Collins will or should transition to linebacker. He doesn’t seem willing nor does the coaching staff seem interested in forcing him to do it.
Collins does have value going forward as a box defender. His contract says he should be more than a box defender, but it would be best to just make the best with what’s in place. Whether he starts or serves as depth, Collins will add to what was established after his injury. The safety position should be a strength for Washington in the new season.
Even though the safety play was at a higher level after Collins’ injury, Collins does have the talent and experience necessary to produce. His experience, in particular, may become a factor depending on how far Washington goes as a team in the year ahead.
Winning tight games or moving forward in the playoffs could be the difference between a young player making the wrong read, or a veteran safety making the right one and making a game-sealing interception.
Either way, the marriage between the WFT and Landon Collins will be for at least one more season.